Simone Lia

I thought this was a great leap forward for Lia in terms of sophistication and complexity in her storytelling. I like her previous work, but it isn't really my type of thing. For me, this has more depth and complexity, and hence is far more satisfying. The book deals a lot with Lia's spirituality and her inquisitiveness about religion, which I found really fascinating, particularly as it was coupled with her quirky humour. I think ultimately that's what I really liked in this book - serious show more subjects related through Lia's whimsical viewpoint. show less

This very original story hides a complex meaning beneath a seemingly absurd, childish tale. Fluffy the bunny is the not quite metaphorical child of Michael, who flees Britain to his parents' house in Sicily to escape a demanding girlfriend (and avoid questioning his meaningless life). Reuniting with his dysfunctional family and thanks to the gentle probing of his bunny-child, Michael somehow finds the inspiration to get on with his life.

The publisher's description accurately captures the spirit of this book.

"A hungry chicken (who thinks he’s a flamingo) and a quick-thinking worm set off on a madcap adventure — and forge an unlikely friendship."

Published first in the UK, it has a definite feel of British humor, which I enjoy. I often think that we, as Americans, take ourselves too seriously. Canadians and Brits definitely have a quirkier funny bone, and it is on full display in They Didn't Teach This in Worm School. When show more Marcus and Laurence set off on their adventure, the goal is to find Africa so that Laurence can unite with his "fellow" flamingos. Along the way, they become convinced that they've found France because of the many "Eiffel Towers" (electricity pylons) that they encounter.

Marcus and Laurence take this all in stride, even the fact that no one in "France" seems to speak French. Things go poorly and, aided by some local worms, they narrowly escape with their lives, prompting Marcus to remark,

"I was really glad to have met these French worms.
They were really kind and helpful.
I liked them, even though they were weirdos."

Their adventures continue in a similar zany vein until eventually, all is sorted out, and the two have become fast friends despite their disparate interests.

Every page is illustrated to some degree, and there are occasional double-spread images throughout. Simone Lia's illustrations bear some resemblance to those of Sara Varon, but have more straight-up humor and none of Varos' pathos.

They Didn't Teach This in Worm School is a perfect choice for readers with a quirky sense of humor who won't mind a rather heavy-handed dose of ethics on the friendship front.

Images and more on my blog: https://shelf-employed.blogspot.com/2017/11/they-didnt-teach-this-in-worm-school... show less

The publication releases for this sounded funny, so I went ahead and requested it (accidentally twice). When it came I had doubts. Too much text? Too introspective? Too European? But ultimately I think it is quite funny, although it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Marcus the worm lives a normal life, in his normal tunnels underground. But one day he meets Laurence. Laurence is, well, let's just say he looks like a rather small, plump chicken. Yes, he's a pigeon. And Marcus is in a can show more with Laurence about to eat him! It's at that moment that Marcus' life changes. Instead of resigning himself to his fate, screaming all the way down Laurence's beak, or even trying to squirm away, Marcus says good morning. Things move on from there and Marcus finds himself flying across the French countryside with Laurence. Laurence firmly believes he's a flamingo and has a dream of traveling to the Lake Nakuru National Park, in Kenya, to be with his fellow flamingos. He's never had the courage (or the navigational ability) to fulfill his dream but with Marcus at his side, it's time to soar!

At first unwilling, Marcus goes along because he has no choice. But after the two make some marvelous discoveries, have some close calls (I KNEW squirrels were evil!), and learn a little more about each other, both have an epiphany. Having arrived at a zoo a few miles away from their home, Marcus realizes that he's had new adventures and experiences he might never have had without Laurence and they have become true friends. Laurence realizes he's not really a flamingo, but that's ok - and because he decided to listen to a worm, instead of eating him, he's managed to fulfill some of his dreams instead of just staying home and thinking about them.

Lia's cartoons are sparse, but add an amusing dimension to the quirky story when they appear. In the galley I received for review they are in black and white, but the finished book will be in two colors - I'm guessing that it will go along with the cover, Marcus as a pink curve and Laurence a plump, gray and white pigeon with squiggled feathers. Of course there's also the crazy squirrel, mean mole, and all the other odd characters they meet along the way.

Verdict: At almost 200 pages this is a little long for a beginning chapter book and a little short for most middle grade readers. It won't appeal to every kid, but the odd, quirky characters and dry sense of humor are sure to find at least a few fans. An additional purchase.

ISBN: 9780763695361; Published February 2018 by Candlewick; Galley provided by publisher (and LT Early Reviewers) for review show less